Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP Specialty

DNP Program

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty

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Program Description

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP specialty prepares nurses to focus on mental health care and the mind-body connection for patients. Students will learn the modalities to diagnose and treat depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, social disorders, and more. Graduates will work with the patients over the short term or on long term to diagnose and develop treatment plans with the patient.

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program is a hybrid program utilizing a mixture of online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives and on-ground practicum and clinical placements. Applicants may enter the program as a post-BSN student or a post-master’s (in nursing) student. The program has both part-time and full-time options. Graduates of the PMHNP specialty are prepared as advanced practice nurses and are eligible for Nurse Practitioner certification.

DNP Program Outcomes

  • Generate and disseminate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes
  • Improve health outcomes through scientifically based advanced practice within a specialty
  • Engage in and lead collaborative practice teams
  • Influence clinical practice transformation and policy initiatives

DNP Program Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at The University of Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Notice

The University of Arizona College of Nursing is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code.  To file a complaint or to contact the agencies that regulate the University of Arizona College of Nursing, please find:

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001 P: 202-887-6791 www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation

Arizona Board of Nursing 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix AZ 85007 P: 602-771-7800  www.azbn.gov

Program Facts

2.5
Years

Full-time Program Length
3-4 Courses per Semester*

3.5
Years

Part-time Program Length
2-3 Courses per Semester*

Hybrid

Program Delivery
Online coursework with
3 on-campus intensives and
a clinical practicum

70
Credit
Hours

720
Clinical
Hours

30
Average
Cohort Size

Aug
15

Applications Open

March
1

Final Deadline

*Course load is approximated and may vary between semester and year. Students should consult their academic program guide for a complete course schedule.

DNP-PMHNP Admissions

View Full Admission Requirements


Dorothy Chinyere Igwe, DNP-PMHNP Candidate

"When I was looking for schools, I applied to several universities but the one that really resonated with me was UArizona. I was very fortunate to attend UArizona Nursing because it helped me become well-rounded. It was rigorous but it paid off in the end."

Read Student Story

DNP-PMHNP Curriculum

Students admitted to the DNP-PNP program must complete a rigorous curriculum consisting of 64 credit hours and 720 clinical hours. In addition, students attend RISE twice and CPI once during their study. Admitted students should refer to and follow the academic program guide for their cohort year.

DNP-PNP Program Guide

 

Residential Intensive Summer Experience (RISE)

RISE is an intensive learning experience designed to support student success in the DNP program. DNP students are required to attend RISE in Tucson, AZ on an annual basis. RISE attendance for part-time students may vary.

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Clinical Skills Intensive (CSI) Card Image

Clinical Preparation Intensive (CPI)

Clinical Preparation Intensive (CPI) helps prepare DNP students for further specialty-specific skills under the supervision of a clinical preceptor. Students are required to attend in Tucson, AZ once before the start of clinical coursework.

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Clinical Practicum

Clinical placements for nurse practitioner students are arranged with appropriate preceptors and administrators. Priority is given to arranging clinical placements in the student's geographical area.

Additional Program Options

DNP/PhD Dual Degree

If you are interested in attaining broader advanced clinical practice skills with strong research competencies, consider taking advantage of our dual Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. You will be prepared at the highest level of nursing science and professional nursing practice, and with advanced skills for engaging in research to create, apply and translate new knowledge to improve health care – in practice domains and/or academia.

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DNP-FNP and Certificate-PMHNP Option

The DNP-FNP and Certificate-PMHNP Option is available only to FNP or PMHNP students.

  • Timeline: Requires one additional year (3 semesters).
  • Clinical Requirements: 720 hours for each specialty, total = 1440 hours.
  • RISE and CPI: Attend RISE 3 times and CPI 2 times
  • DNP Project: During the last year with second specialty.
  • Apply: First fall semester the student must meet with their academic advisor, with advisor approval can apply in the spring semester.
View Program Guide

DNP-PNP and Certificate-PMHNP Option

The DNP-PNP and Certificate-PMHNP Option is available only to PNP or PMHNP students.

  • Timeline: Requires one additional year (3 semesters).
  • Clinical Requirements: 720 hours for each specialty, total = 1440 hours.
  • RISE and CPI: Attend RISE 3 times and CPI 2 times
  • DNP Project: During the last year with second specialty.
  • Apply: First fall semester the student must meet with their academic advisor, with advisor approval can apply in the spring semester.
View Program Guide

View All Program Options

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Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about this DNP specialty or applying to the DNP program, please contact:

Layla Salazar
Enrollment Coordinator, Doctoral Programs
Email: CON-OSAA@arizona.edu
Phone: 520-621-1860

See the Costs & Financial Aid page for cost estimates.

Students are assigned clinical sites in coordination with clinical coordinators and the program administrator. Students may be required to travel to a different geographic area if a suitable preceptor cannot be found.

No elective courses are required for this DNP specialty. Students may elect to take additional courses to meet their needs and interests but should first consult their faculty advisor.

Consider attending a virtual information session hosted by the College of Nursing for all specialties EXCEPT Nurse Anesthesia. You will have the opportunity to meet the program team and select members of the faculty as well as ask questions about the program and admissions process. Registration is required and the session is conducted via Zoom.

The DNP program holds multiple information sessions throughout the year. If you are unable to attend a currently scheduled session, check back soon for the next available session or fill out the Request Information form on this page to have program details delivered to your inbox.

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Ready to take the next step?

See the full admissions requirements and application process on the DNP Admissions page.

DNP Admissions